MADD News:
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) New Mexico and Prevention Advocates statewide will host a DWI Prevention Day at the state capital Friday, Jan. 26, as a reminder to the public about the ongoing crisis of impaired driving in New Mexico.
Nearly 50 representatives working in the fields of DWI prevention, alcohol treatment, law enforcement, and families representing crash victim/survivors will all be present to speak to lawmakers and the general public about this pervasive issue 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A noontime press conference is scheduled.
“We know that there are grim consequences of alcohol use, specific to New Mexico,” said Katrina Latka, MADD New Mexico State Executive Director. “Data from the New Mexico Department of Health tells us alcohol injury rates are approximately twice the national average. Similarly, New Mexico teen drivers are more likely to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol than any other U.S. student. We should not be losing our New Mexico families to impaired driving – an action that is 100% preventable.”
MADD programs, such as Underage Drinking Prevention which serve elementary through high school aged students— and Victim Impact Panel presentations, in which victims of DWI crashes tell their story to offenders of DWI crimes— are just two ways in which MADD works to combat future and repeat intoxicated driving instances in New Mexico.
The partner organizations coming together on DWI Awareness Day all hope to draw attention to the continuing issue of impaired driving in New Mexico, particularly the means to prevent these crimes. Representatives from DWI Prevention Programs in Rio Arriba, San Miguel, McKinley, Grant, Curry, Roosevelt, Sandoval, Lea, Santa Fe, Bernalillo, Colfax, San Juan, Eddy, Sierra, and Taos Counties, will all be present.
Speaking to Friday’s event, New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler said, “Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New Mexico is set to make a powerful impact Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, hosting a press event that unites victim/survivors of DWI crashes with law enforcement. Timed alongside the ongoing legislative session, this event serves as a stark reminder of the persistent crisis of intoxicated driving in New Mexico. The New Mexico State Police will continue to partner with various sectors across our state, working as a united front to create safer roads for our communities.” A joint press event is scheduled to take place at noon, and the public is welcomed to attend.
Speaking at the Roundhouse press event will be Vanessa Cogdill – victim of a DWI crash in 2004 – and Cindy Ortega, who lost her son Joseph in a crash in Santa Fe in 2016. “It is critical to continue to support the victims of these crimes all year long.” MADD Advisory Board Member Bert Parnall said. “We do this today by giving victims & survivors of DWI crimes a voice. Our work continually brings us closer to a day when there are no more stories like those of Cindy and Vanessa. It is unacceptable to let these crimes continue when there are means to prevent them from happening in the first place. This is why there are so many of us planned to gather Friday for action.”
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save over 390,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
